FAST FACTS

People are understandably distraught when a loved one passes away. Despite the grief that follows the death of a family member, it’s often easier for the family when they have had time to prepare for the passing, as in cases where a serious or terminal illness has been diagnosed. It can be more difficult for a family to deal with a death that was unforeseen and sudden, such as one that arises from a motor vehicle collision, work accident or other act of negligence.

As Pensacola personal injury attorneys, we represent the family members of people who have been fatally injured due to the negligence or error of others. Every state has its own unique laws that dictate who can recover damages for wrongful death, how long you have to file a claim and other important details.

Because of that, it’s incredibly important to see the counsel of an experienced wrongful death attorney the moment you realize or believe your loved one was killed due to someone else’s actions or negligence.

Most Common Types of Wrongful Death Claims

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that deaths by unintentional injury are the fourth leading cause of death in the country. There were more than 160,000 deaths attributed to unintentional injuries each year.

1. Vehicle Accidents

People often sustain injury when passenger or commercial vehicles collide. They may also sustain serious injury in single-vehicle accidents that are the result of negligence, error or a faulty product.

2. Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

These deaths are typically caused when a vehicle strikes a person on their feet or on a bicycle. Many of these accidents occur in or around school zones, but can occur anywhere.

3. Premise Liability Accidents

A premise liability accident can include a slip and fall, or a person being struck against or by an object. Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their properties free of hazard.

4. Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a patient is harmed due to negligence or error on the part of a medical provider. These incidents may occur due to misdiagnosis, missed diagnosis, surgical errors or even medication errors.

5. Accidental Poisoning and Overdoses

Illegal narcotics and prescription medications have been known to cause death in some instances; in fact, cases of overdose are rapidly rising. While not all of these deaths will lead to a wrongful death claim, many have the necessary elements.

6. Drowning or Boating Accidents

A drowning accident may occur in the backyard or city pool. It could be at a relative’s or friend’s home. If a pool wasn’t properly secured, the owner may be at fault for any drowning that occurs.

A boat operator who causes an accident or fails to provide safety devices could be held liable in a wrongful death claim.

7. Workplace Accidents and Illnesses

Most people know that a workplace accident can trigger a workers’ compensation claim. What they may not know is that a fatal injury that occurs due to a workplace accident or illness may also lead to a wrongful death claim.

This is not an exhaustive list of types of wrongful death, but the most common. Other types of wrongful death include dog and animal attacks and criminal acts. There is no set list of actions resulting in death that may be part of a wrongful death claim.

Any time a person is killed due to someone’s negligence or error, the family may be entitled to compensation.

Our Pensacola Personal Injury Attorneys are Here for You

If a loved one has been killed due to an accident, you have the right to pursue your legal options. Reach out to a Pensacola personal injury attorney today. We will speak to you at no cost and help you explore your legal rights. Your family may be entitled to monetary damages that could aid in lessening the financial pressure you are under as a result of your loved one’s passing.

We are here for you and your family and welcome the opportunity to speak with you regarding your potential case. You can rest assured that we will fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure the at-fault party is held accountable.